Thomas Ralph Pheasant

April 13, 1933 - May 4, 2020

On Monday, May 4th Thomas R. Pheasant , 87, was freed from his battle with Alzheimer’s and has gone to be with his Lord and Savior. Thomas Pheasant was born to Ed and Eleanor Pheasant in Tonasket, WA. He grew up on an orchard working with 3 brothers, George, Allen, and Ralph. He graduated from Tonasket High School where he played basketball, football, ping pong and badminton. He went to WSU before joining the Air Force and served 4 years. In 1954 he married his high school sweetheart Dolores and they moved to Soap Lake, Washington. He began farming the fall of 1957. He formed a partnership (Basin View Orchards) in 1958 with his brother George that lasted over four decades until George’s passing. He then formed a new partnership with his son Jeff and they farmed together well into his 80’s until Alzheimer’s no longer allowed it. He loved the orchard and longed to be out there until the end. His very last outing a few weeks ago was to be driven around the orchard looking at apple blossoms. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Eleanor; his three siblings: George, Allen, and Ralph Pheasant and sister-in-law Jackie Pheasant. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dolores Pheasant, his four children; Darryl Pheasant, Darla (Rick) Grubb, Jenni (Louis) Bunkelman, and Jeff (Carla) Pheasant. He made many memories with his 13 grandchildren; Justin (Liz) Grubb, Chris (Caitlyn) Wash, Jared (Emilie) Grubb, Jared (Kelsey) Wash, Nathan (Emili) Wash, Jennifer L. Bunkelman, Walker Maddalozzo, Thomas Pheasant, Allison Pheasant, Sarah Pheasant, Riley Pheasant, Conner Maddalozzo and Megan Pheasant. He loved his great grandkids: Audrey (d.) Grubb, Aubrey Nearing, Zoie Grubb, Kolby Nearing, Richard Grubb, Brynlee Wash, Everly Wash, Brooklyn Wash. Also surviving is his sister-in-law Jody Pheasant. He was a loyal member of the Ephrata United Methodist Church and served on trustees, loved singing in the church choir and was the choir director for over 20 years. He also went on five mission trips with his church family. Loving music, he was the director for the Barbershop Chorus for over 20 years and was in four Barbershop quartets. Tom loved serving the Ephrata/Soap Lake community. He served as a passionate member of Kiwanis along with being president. He was chairman of the Grant County Fair Kiwanis Booth for many years. He was also the President of the Grant County Horticulture Society. Tom served on the Grant County Pest Control Board. He was involved in the Community Concert Board. Following his brother George, he was chairman of the Ephrata Food Bank Board and organized the Christmas basket giveaways for many years. Throughout the years, the community honored Tom for his contributions. In 1966, he received the Good Neighbor Award. In 1969, he shared with his brother George the Conservation Farmer of the year. In 2002, he shared with his brother George the chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. In 2003, the Tom and George Pheasant Families shared the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce Good Neighbor Award. In 2014, Tom and Dolores received the Outstanding Farmer honors. He and his wife Dolores loved to travel and went to over 50 countries together. They went by planes, trains, automobiles, ships, riverboats, and rickshaws! They laughed through many adventures. His family will remember him by his Saturday breakfasts of campcakes and the Grandpa sleepovers with the homemade chocolate milkshakes. Tom was never one to miss any of his children's or grandchildren's sports activities, musical concerts or theatrical shows. He always had a warm smile and chuckle and made everyone feel loved. He lived his life not by words, but by example. People will always remember Tom as being a generous, caring man who put others' needs ahead of his own. He cherished his family and loved the Lord. Those who worked with him, remember him as fair, honest and having a tenacious work-ethic. No matter what life threw at him, you would hear him say “we are so blessed.” The family wants to acknowledge and give thanks to all the caregivers who spent countless hours providing loving care for Tom. If desired, memorials may be given to the Ephrata Food Bank at P.O.Box 804, Ephrata, WA 98823 . Due to state social distancing guidelines, the memorial will be private. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata